'A dark and soulless future': These middle school students' lessons are taught by an AI

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The Sabrewing program is the name of this experiment conducted at David Game College, a private school in London, which is sure to cause a stir. For one year, the 20 students in this GSCE class (equivalent to the third and/or second year in France) will in fact see their lessons taught by artificial intelligence and not by a human being. Explanations.

“This will change lives”

Let's make it clear from the outset that the students are grouped together within the London establishment and that they will be accompanied by a human presence: three learning coaches who are supposed to monitor their behavior and provide them with help if necessary. The year is billed at 32,000 euros per year, which is not within the reach of all families.

Each student is given a computer and a virtual reality headset. Most of the work is done on platforms that will run the day. They will determine where the child needs help and where they are doing very well. The technology will focus first on weaknesses and then emphasize their strengths at the end of the term.

Quoted by our colleagues at Sky News, one student is delighted to be part of the program: “A teacher doesn't really know your weaknesses because they have a lot of students. So it doesn't know your weaknesses, while AI discovers them and helps you improve”.

Same story from Alexander Vansittart, a former Latin teacher, who now works as a learning coach :

I was really excited about what this could do for young people, how it could help change their lives. That’s why I applied for the job, because I think it’s going to change lives.

A way to save money ?

But not everyone is buying into this experiment. One example is Chris McGovern, a retired school principal and leading education expert. He believes schools have a vested interest in using AI, which is cheaper than humans. And the expert adds:

The problem with AI and the computer screen is that it is an inert machine, which immediately dehumanizes the learning process, removing interpersonal skills and interaction between students and the teacher.

In any case, it will be interesting to observe the results of this long-term experiment to form a more precise opinion. In any case, this is only one of the many examples of the use of AI in education. The use of this technology is as fascinating as it is worrying. So much so that UNESCO, the UN agency, has issued a series of opinions and advice on how to use it best without abusing it.

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